Composition and distribution of various groups and species of zooplankton at Kavaratti,
Agatti and Suhelipar atolls of the Lakshadweep group of islands are reported . Higher biomass
and diversity occur in the sea surrounding atolls compared to lagoons . Copepoda forms the
dominant component of zooplankton . Zooplankton washed across the reef into the lagoon may
be serving as food to the reef community . No fauna endemic to lagoons are encountered.